Amre Moussa, a venerable statesman in both Egyptian and Arab diplomacy, the Chair of the Constituent Assembly which drafted the Egyptian Constitution, Egypt’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Secretary-General of the Arab League, has called for a unified Arab approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in the wake of the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
In an interview on MBC Egypt’s “Al-Hekaya” program with journalist Amr Adib, Moussa outlined his vision for regional stability and Egypt’s role in achieving it.
Moussa emphasised that Egypt’s strength lies in its internal stability, which empowers its foreign policy. “No significant change can occur in the region without Egypt’s approval or participation in shaping it,” he asserted, highlighting Egypt’s influential position and offering a message of confidence.
The veteran diplomat stressed the need to safeguard Egypt and restore its regional leadership, which has been challenged by various forces. He highlighted Egypt’s historical significance, dating back to the era of Muhammad Ali, as well as its strategic location, historical depth, and accumulated experience.
Moussa noted that Egypt is actively working to regain its regional influence after attempts by other powers to weaken it. He affirmed that Egypt’s stance is closely observed by the Arab world, the Middle East, and the international community.
Egypt, he said, has traditionally been a source of soft power, exporting culture, arts, and education. Moussa believes this role should be revitalised, with concrete efforts underway to achieve this goal.
Moussa also praised South Africa and Ireland for their support of the Palestinian cause, particularly South Africa’s call for the International Criminal Court to investigate alleged crimes by the Netanyahu government in Gaza.
He warned that Egypt would have risked its own security by accepting the displacement of Palestinians, stressing that the Egyptian leadership could not countenance the “liquidation of the Palestinian cause.” Moussa added that any future discussions with Donald Trump should firmly reiterate that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian territories.
Egypt’s Enduring Strength
Moussa underscored that Egypt’s strength is contingent upon its internal order, citing its strategic location, historical depth, and vast experience in war, peace, and liberation movements.
“Egypt is strong as long as its internal system is well-ordered,” Moussa stated. He reiterated the importance of protecting Egypt and restoring its leadership role, which has faced challenges from various forces.
Israeli Intentions in Gaza
Moussa asserted that Israel seeks to govern Gaza and construct settlements, a plan opposed by many nations. He noted that former US President Donald Trump had expressed a desire to “build a new society in Gaza” and displace Palestinians to facilitate reconstruction, an idea Musa vehemently rejects.
“It is essential to address the critical foundations of Gaza’s future, emphasizing that it is Palestinian land and part of the occupied territories under international law,” Moussa stated. He cautioned that if current Israeli policies persist, Hamas’s course of action would remain unchanged.
October 7 and its Aftermath
Moussa argued that the Israeli occupation had reached a point of extreme injustice, leading to the events of October 7.
“The Israeli occupation has reached levels of injustice, destruction, arson, and expulsion of the Palestinian people,” he stated. “A Palestinian reaction was natural, which occurred on October 7, 2023.”
He criticised the occupation as excessive, characterized by “injustice, mismanagement, and a racist colonial policy,” adding that a similar Israeli response would have occurred regardless of the October 7 attacks.
He claimed that Israel aims to liquidate the Palestinian cause and achieve complete control over Gaza.
A “Second Phase” in the Middle East
Moussa suggested that recent events signal the beginning of a “second phase” of transformation in the Middle East, following the “creative chaos” of the Arab Spring in 2011. This new phase, he said, is being driven by the conflict in Gaza and instability in Lebanon and Syria.
Egypt’s Role as Peacemaker
Moussa stated that he does not anticipate Egypt engaging in military conflict with Israel. Instead, he emphasised Egypt’s commitment to establishing peace, while also warning against the dangers of the current situation and rejecting any plans for displacement.
He condemned statements by some Israeli officials suggesting the use of nuclear weapons against Gaza, calling such ideas “unacceptable” and a threat to Egypt.
Moussa argued that influential figures in Israel recognise that peace cannot be achieved with the current government, advocating for a new Israeli government that prioritises peace.
Call for a Unified Arab Voice
Moussa called for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan to be authorised to speak on behalf of the Arab world, particularly in discussions with the United States. He said these nations should work to create a suitable environment for engaging with Israel and promoting a peace process.
He stressed that division among Palestinians is as detrimental as the Israeli occupation and emphasized the need for Palestinian unity.
The Limits of Israeli Power
Moussa asserted that Israel is not as powerful as often perceived and warned against underestimating Palestinian resolve.
He claimed that Israel cannot achieve its goals without the backing of the United States and that its war in Gaza has failed to eliminate Hamas.
The Path Forward
Moussa called for a new Arab initiative, urging Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan to form a committee to negotiate with US President Trump on the Palestinian issue. He said the goal should be to persuade Trump that Arab nations support the peace process, with the potential for expanded normalisation with Israel contingent on progress toward a just resolution for the Palestinians.
“Israel is not as strong as some imagine, and it has not been able to destroy Hamas. All this power is made with the help and protection of the West,” Moussa said.
He stressed that Arab countries must act proactively to present a clear vision for peace, emphasizing that normalisation with Israel must be linked to achieving the rights of the Palestinian people. Failure to do so, he warned, will perpetuate regional instability.
